Cancers that occur on the inner surface of the large intestine, which is about 1.5 meters long, are called colon cancer. This type of cancer occurs with the uncontrolled growth of cells and cell communities in the layer that covers the inner surface of the large intestine. “Colorectal cancers” is also a very common term to describe two types of cancer. Colon cancer can occur at any age. The average age of onset is 63. However, according to studies, one-third of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer are younger than 55 years of age.
Colon cancer (large intestine) is the second most common cancer in the United States. While encountering 140,000 new cases a year, an average of 60,000 people die annually from colon and rectum cancers. Colon and rectum cancers caught at an early stage can be treated with high success.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER?
The onset of colon cancers is cell growths, namely polyps, in the intestine. However, polyps often do not cause any complaints at first. As the polyps start to become cancerous, grow in size or increase in number, they cause the following changes in the bowel habits of the person:
• New-onset constipation or vice versa, change in stool consistency (in favor of diarrhea) or odor,
• Anemia caused by iron deficiency,
• Thinning of stool thickness, blood mixed with stool, or
abdominal pain, involuntary loss of appetite after going to the toilet. alone does not indicate colorectal cancer. However, if you have these complaints, you should definitely consult your doctor for the necessary controls. In addition, if you have a family history of bowel cancer, breast, ovarian or cervical cancer along with one of these symptoms, do not neglect to consult your doctor.
WHAT TESTS ARE PERFORMED FOR THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF COLON CANCER?
Tests for early screening of colon cancer include:,
• Computed tomography (CT) colonography,
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy,
• DNA tests in stool
WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO PROTECT FROM COLON CANCER?
In order to be protected from colon cancer, it is necessary to eat healthy, and to have screening tests at the right time intervals within the specified recommendations. Nutrition rich in vegetables, fruits and fiber, avoiding processed and animal protein-based foods, regular exercise, not smoking are the methods of protection from bowel cancer.
